“I’m sick of myself and unutterably sick of Dublin” are words you would expect to come from the mouth of a twenty-something year old sitting outside Trinity’s arts block, but they were actually written by playwright Mary Manning in 1931. Youth’s the Season –?, though set in newly independent Dublin, is a timeless coming-of-age satire that is sure to resonate with young audience members. The play’s title references a line from the poem of the same name by John Gay.
“Conform or get out”
Directed by Assistant Professor of Drama at Trinity Sarah Jane Scaife, the play explores the idea of feeling bored and disenchanted with what Irish society could offer young people at the time. Themes of class, queerness and emigration permeate the play. Desmond, who dreams of moving to London and becoming a designer, is haunted by the idea; “conform or get out”. The exploration of Ireland’s political climate during this play, while subtle, is very effective. Remnants of Ireland’s colonial legacy are aptly captured through the detail of a character working in the British Colonial Service.
Particular credit must be given to Trinity lecturer and costume designer Sinéad Cuthbert who elegantly captured the sleek, glamorous fashion of the 1930s, adorning each character in opulent pieces that were reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
Sabine Dargent’s set design was excellent, offering the audience a window into the upper echelons of 1930s Irish society. Elegant furniture pieces surrounded the protagonists, evoking their high status. Stephen Dodd’s light design complemented the play’s tone beautifully, enhancing its dramatic moments with subtle, enchanting effects.
“We were left genuinely curious about where each of their lives might go beyond the play’s final moments”
The majority of the cast are graduates of Trinity and the Lir, and are a testament to the training they received at these schools. Each actor brought a distinct perspective to their character, giving the audience multiple entry points for connection and reflection. We were left genuinely curious about where each of their lives might go beyond the play’s final moments. Despite the dialogue being written nearly 95 years ago, every cast member delivered their lines with a wit and sharpness that had the audience roaring with laughter.
Fans of the show “Moone Boy” will be pleased to see David Rawle in his role as Desmond, who particularly stole the show with his ability to encapsulate both the angst and the cynicism of being a young person in Dublin. Lórcan Strain delivered a striking silent performance in his role of Egosmith while Trinity graduate Ciara Berkeley commanded the stage in her depiction of modern woman Toots.
“The question mark at the end of the play’s title lingered in our minds after the actors took their final bows, as we contemplated whether youth actually is “the Season made for joys”
The question mark at the end of the play’s title lingered in our minds after the actors took their final bows, as we contemplated whether youth actually is “the Season made for joys”.
The plays of Mary Manning were well received in her time, and this 2025 adaption of her work is sure to be no different.
Youth’s the Season – ? will run at The Abbey Theatre until 3 May as part of the Gregory Project, which celebrates the legacy of Augusta Gregory, co-founder of the Abbey.
★★★★★
